Returning Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has revealed that key star Gus Hamer will return to a more familiar position for the upcoming Championship clash against Charlton Athletic.
The 57-year-old was shown the exit door at the end of last season after losing in the play-off final against Sunderland. Despite that, it was a decision that was widely criticised, with the Blades accumulating 90 points (excluding a two point deduction).
Former Reading and Hull City boss Ruben Selles was brought in after what was described as a new data driven era at Bramall Lane. However, the Spaniard’s appointment was an unmitigated disaster, losing all six of his games in charge.
With discontent amongst supporters at the point of no return, owners COH Sports performed a dramatic U-turn, opting to bring back the popular Wilder just three months after his initial departure.
Wilder To Return To Basics
Gus Hamer was a key cog in Wilder’s team last season, pitching in with 10 goals in 46 appearances. This form landed him the Championship Player of the Year, having operated mainly from the left hand side of the attack.
Despite his form of the previous year, Selles opted to push the former Coventry City star back into a deeper role in the centre of midfield. He was also left out of the starting lineup for last Friday’s 5-0 defeat at Ipswich Town.
It appears as if his new (previous) boss is now preparing to shift the 28-year-old back to a more familiar area of the pitch. Speaking to The Star, he said:
“Yeah, he’s got a good chance! He’s a player that I love. We’ve had a few little bits and pieces as well, but we need him at the top of the pitch. That’s where we need him.
“We don’t need him in a different position than what he has been occupying or that I’ve seen from watching the games, really. We need him at top of the pitch, whether he plays as a 10 or off a side.
“We need those combinations, slide balls, crosses, assists, goals, big moments. He’s arguably the best player in the division. At the moment, he isn’t the best player in the division and we’re not the best team, but he has that ability to raise his game and we’re super confident that we can get the best out of him.”
Writer’s View
One of the most perplexing things from Ruben Selles’ short tenure at Sheffield United was his use of Gus Hamer. For a player of his ability and one that offers so much going forward, utlising him in a deeper role was one of the many things that ultimately led to his downfall. Wilder’s reappointment means that the Brazilian will now move further up the field, which will only be a plus for the Blades.
